Tuesday 13 June 2023

Conspiracy Theory Central?

An April 2023 survey by Savanta, for King's College London and the BBC, found the UK to have many more conspiracy 'theorists', than had been assumed. Almost 25% of those surveyed, believed that Covid19, was probably or definitely, a hoax. About 33% of the folk surveyed, were convinced that the 'cost of living crisis' is a government plot designed to control the masses. Similar numbers felt the '15 minute city' (the idea that pedestrianisation can be increased, by putting essential services within walking distance) was actually a ruse to facilitate population surveillance. A third of those questioned, also supported the 'great replacement theory' (the hoary idea, that the white 'race' is being replaced by black, Asian and ethnic minority immigrants) (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/13/quarter-in-uk-believe-covid-was-a-hoax-poll-on-conspiracy-theories-finds). These 'conspiracy theories' are largely spread by groups on Facebook and Twitter. The reputation of Brits, as broadly sensible folk, is under considerable pressure. It's really difficult to rely on properly democractic processes, when so many people have a poor grasp of reality.

1 comment:

Paul Brain said...

It's been claimed that the inflated numbers of UK Conspiracy theorists might be down to the wording of the questions in the survey (and the BBC wanting a high number for a planned programme on the issue). It's also suggested that there is too great a focus on 'maverick' sources of conspiracy 'theories'. The so-called 'sensible' main media is certainly not immune from airing contentious material when it suits them!

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